Dr. Higer understands parents’ concerns about the fears their children possess in regard to receiving dental care. Many tell her they fear going to the dentist themselves and want things to be different for their own children. She and her staff employ a variety of methods to ensure that goal is realized.

The office environment a child enters into plays a big part in either contributing to or reducing anxiety. When children are at ease with their surroundings they tend to adopt a more relaxed attitude.  Dr. Higer’s offices have been designed especially for children. They will feel right at home with the open atmosphere and cheerful colors .

Communicating with children on their level is one of the most important ways to reduce their fears.  Dr. Higer and her staff are excellent communicators with children. They have a great deal of experience at it because it’s what they do all day long. They constantly apply a technique known as “Tell – Show – Do”. They tell the child what they are going to do in terms they can easily understand. Then they demonstrate it to them. Then they do it. The technique is as effective as it is simple but it is frequently ignored because it takes a little extra time. Children can’t be rushed and should be given the time they deserve.

If cavities develop and Dr. Higer has to provide dental treatment, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can be used to relax the child. This mild, odorless gas is breathed through a small nosepiece while the child remains awake and able to communicate throughout the dental treatment. It is a very safe and effective technique.

While all of these methods usually reduce fear and anxiety, some children may still exhibit apprehension regardless of the efforts made to put them at ease. When that is the case there is no substitute for the patience you constantly see exhibited by Dr. Higer and her staff. When other options are ineffective, demonstrating patience to a child eventually wins out. Nothing brings more joy to Dr. Higer and her staff than seeing frightened children replace their fears with confidence and their frowns with smiles.

Dentistry for Children - Dr. Cheryl Higer, Pediatric Dentist

Dental Care Specialist servicing the regional area of Boise Idaho and Meridian Idaho.